The Patients Association, in partnership with LEO Pharma, have released the PSO What? Report, which shows the cost and impact of psoriasis.

"This new report highlights the need to take action now to address the significant burden psoriasis places on individuals with psoriasis, and inspire those who may have previously given up to take control of their condition, as well as raise the priority of psoriasis care in the health service," said Katherine Murphy, chief executive of the Patients Association.

Emotional Impact of Psoriasis

"Psoriasis is a horrible disease to live with on a daily basis. In the past it has made me depressed and affected my self-esteem, which has limited my personal and professional life,” said Jacqueline McCallum, a person surveyed in the report.

Among the many impacts that psoriasis has, the largest impact is the psychological impact that affects the people that have it. The report indicated that:

93% of the people surveyed reported that psoriasis has negatively impacted their quality of life.

Each year over 10,000 diagnoses of depression and over 7,000 diagnoses of anxiety are attributed to psoriasis. Additionally, 1 out of 20 people with psoriasis have contemplated suicide.

40% of psoriasis sufferers have had relationships impacted by the disease. 44% avoid sex and 16% have claimed that a partner refused to have sex with them because of their skin condition.

Additionally, the report indicated an adverse relationship between psoriasis and economic opportunity. 43% of people with psoriasis have reported that their condition has adversely affected their job and professional life.

The Problem With Care

An additional problem that the report highlighted was the lack of proper care or support for the people that do have psoriasis. Of the people surveyed, 45% of them felt well supported by their doctor. Additionally, a third of the people with psoriasis surveyed didn’t regularly visit their doctor each year.

"By 'treating to prevent,' we're reducing the risk of life-limiting complications for the patient, helping to tackle sickness absence in the workplace, and reducing the potential burden on the health system later down the line," commented Angelika Razzaque, M.D., vice chair of the Primary Care Dermatology Society.

Note: treatments that a licensed esthetician may perform in a medical spa space vary by state. Please consult with your state board before adopting or performing any unfamiliar treatment.